Having trouble conceiving? A change in diet, some stress-busting hypnotherapy or a course of reflexology could make all the difference. But which treatments really work? 

REFLEXOLOGY

What it does: The ancient Chinese medicine is based on principles similar to acupuncture. Reflexology focuses on the feet, and is based on the belief that all the body's organs, glands and main joints are reflected in them.

By applying firm and specific pressure to different areas of the feet, reflexologists claim to be able to bring the rest of the body into balance and improve general health.

The practice can help women to relax and feel less stressed, particularly if they are already beginning to worry about their chances of conceiving. Studies have shown that women who are less stressed are much more likely to become pregnant.

Certain techniques such as "thumb walking" over the foot may stimulate the reproductive system, and practitioners may also focus on the pituitary gland reflex to balance hormones in the body.

It has also been claimed that reflexology can help with menstrual problems.

Does it work? As with many alternative medicines, there is no clear scientific evidence that reflexology can boost the chances of pregnancy.

However, a study by the Danish Reflexologists Association found that, of 61 women under 35 who had been trying to get pregnant for more than two years, 15 per cent conceived within six months of receiving regular reflexology sessions.

DIET AND NUTRITION

What it does: Simply adopting a healthy eating pattern can be one of the simplest and cheapest ways of boosting your chances of falling pregnant. The diets of both men and women can affect fertility, and the chances of conception are reduced if either or both partners are overweight.

Wholegrains such as brown rice contain zinc, which can boost fertility, and oily fish, including salmon, can balance hormone levels.

But the evidence can be confusing: while dairy products may contain bone-strengthening calcium, galactose, a sugar found in milk, appears to damage human eggs. One study found that, in populations where milk consumption is highest, women tend to be less fertile when they are older and their drop-off in fertility is steeper.

Similarly, soya products such as tofu (right) are a good source of oestriol, the main oestrogen produced during pregnancy, but in high doses may interfere with ovulation.

Diets high in the simple carbohydrates that are contained in processed food and snacks can increase insulin levels and lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is known to reduce the chances of fertility. The best advice is to munch plenty of fruit and vegetables, eat about 50g of protein a day and cut out high-fat and high-sugar foods.

Women should also start taking a folic acid supplement when they try to conceive as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the unborn child.

Does it work? Undoubtedly. One study showed that obese women have a 60 per cent reduced chance of conceiving. A good diet not only boosts your chances of conception but protects your unborn baby, too.

ACUPUNCTURE

What it does: The Chancellor Gordon Brown's wife Sarah is believed to have turned to acupuncture to help her conceive the couple's second child, due later this year. It is based on traditional Chinese philosophy, which states that health is dependent on qi - an energy that moves beneath the skin and consists of equal quantities of yin and yang. Ill-health occurs when these are disrupted, but by inserting fine needles into the body, practitioners can restore the right balance.

As with reflexology, acupuncture may help to reduce stress and therefore increase the chances of pregnancy. Some practitioners also claim that it can increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken its lining, helping the egg to lodge better. Hormone levels can also be balanced by the practice.

It has also been claimed that acupuncture can boost male fertility by improving the quality and quantity of sperm produced.

Does it work? Practitioners are convinced it does; doctors are more sceptical, saying that most studies are not reliable enough to prove efficacy.

However, in one study in Germany, 45 women who had encountered problems in conceiving were given auricular acupuncture (needles applied to points on the ear) and their case outcomes compared to a similar number who had conventional hormone treatment. The women treated with acupuncture had 22 pregnancies, compared with 20 of the women on hormones.

HERBAL MEDICINES

What they do: Conventional hormonal drugs used in fertility treatment can play havoc with a woman's body and emotions, and many advocates of alternative therapies say that it may be better to try herbal remedies in the first instance when trying to conceive.

Agnus castus, from a plant known as the "chaste tree", can act as a natural hormone regulator in women, while damiana, a small South American shrub, may stimulate the male reproductive system. Practitioners claim that tea made from the extract of red clover can help with irregular periods and improve the chances of pregnancy. Cornus officinalis, commonly known as dogwood, has been claimed to increase the motility (movement) of sperm. Raspberry leaf may strengthen the reproductive system (as well as, some say, helping with labour pains), and lemon balm is said to be able to cleanse the body of toxins.

However, the fact that something is herbal does not mean that it is perfectly safe. In large amounts, ginger (below) can cause miscarriage and pennyroyal, used to calm upset stomachs, may induce abortion. And, although liquorice has been claimed to increase female fertility, one study has shown that it may reduce testosterone levels in men who eat too much.

Does it work? One study showed that dogwood increased sperm motility by up to 68 per cent. But experts say that women would have to drink red clover tea for months - and possibly years - to see any benefit.

There is very little research on just how effective other herbal remedies are, and many of the claims are based on old wives' tales rather than on any scientific basis.

HYPNOTHERAPY

What it does: Hypnotherapists believe that some women feel such fear about childbirth, being a good mother or guilt about past abortions when they start trying to conceive that they send the wrong signals to their body about pregnancy. Hypnosis tries to release the emotional barriers and relax a woman's attitude to conception.

The practice focuses on the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that is sensitive to stress and turns emotional messages into physical reactions. Hypnosis may help women to overcome their subconscious concerns about becoming a mother.

The pregnancy guru Zita West, who counts Kate Winslet among her fans, is an advocate of hypnosis.

More than a million people in Britain visit a hypnotherapist every year.

Does it work? In an American study, more than half of women who attended a "mind-body" programme focusing on self-hypnosis conceived despite having previously failed to get pregnant, compared with 20 per cent of women who did not use the technique.

Another study found that women who were hypnotised during IVF procedures were twice as likely to become pregnant from them.

It could be him: what men can do to boost their fertility

* One in six couples suffers from fertility problems but experts say there still tends to be an assumption that the trouble always lies with the woman. However, in a third of couples the fertility problem will be with the man.

* A recent study found that men over 40 had half the chances of making their partner pregnant as men under 25.

* Research published by Norwich Union Healthcare has suggested that nine per cent of men may have difficulty fathering a child because of low fertility. Alcohol, smoking, stress and weight problems can play a part.

* Sperm quality and quantity have decreased over the last 30 years.

* Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesman for Norwich Union Healthcare, says: "With the next generation facing increasing pressure as a result of declining fertility, it's only fair that men accept their responsibility in the equation and change their lifestyles now, before it is too late."

* So what can men do to boost their fertility? As with women, one answer is not to leave it too late. Men over 50 have a four-times-higher risk of fathering a child with Down syndrome and French scientist Elise de la Rochebrochard says that being over 40 is "a key risk factor for reproduction".

* Mary Kittel, author of the book Stay Fertile Longer, recommends that men take a multivitamin supplement, stop smoking and keep their alcohol intake to within government guidelines.

* She also advocates avoiding steam rooms and long hot baths, and recommends hourly breaks during car and bike rides, to avoid overheating the sperm.

* Switching from briefs to boxer shorts and jettisoning tight trousers can also help to keep sperm at the optimum quality.

* Alternative therapists say that many of the practices that can boost a woman's fertility may also be helpful to men.

* Acupuncture may boost sperm quantity and quality, according to one study; the extract of maca herbs from Peru have been claimed to increase testosterone levels.

* Hypnosis and reflexology may also help men who feel that their partner's desire to have a baby is making them stressed and under pressure during sex.

* Vitamin B and zinc supplements may also help with energy levels and general good health

Source : http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/how-to-make-a-baby-405607.html

Maxine Frith investigates

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Reflexologists claim they can treat the entire body by applying pressure to specific parts of your feet (and hands) - but many devotees go simply for the powerful sense of calm that this technique can induce

What is it?

Reflexology is an holistic treatment which takes the view that the feet and hands provide a map of the body, giving a comprehensive picture of the recipient's health.

Practitioners divide the feet into zones that run from the toes to the brain through the different parts of the body. There are 10 vertical zones or "lines of energy" that course through the body. As pressure is applied to specific parts of the feet, these lines are stimulated so that the energy can, according to reflexologists, flow freely through the whole body.

Using this information, practitioners work on the feet to ease inflammation or tension in affected areas, which they say encourages the body to heal itself. Their aim is to detoxify the body, thus easing discomfort, decreasing stress levels and providing a sense of rebalance as their client reaches a deep state of relaxation.

Is there any evidence?

Some clinical trials have been conducted, reporting both negative and positive results. But the trials did not focus on any one condition, which renders them unreliable. So far, there is little evidence to suggest reflexology is any more effective than a straightforward massage. Furthermore, there is no reliable evidence to support the foot map. Indeed, the idea that our body is mapped out on the soles of our feet does not fit with our modern understanding of how the body works.

However, practitioner Jennifer Wayte says: "With or without documented case studies, if I as a reflexologist can diminish stress and induce a sense of calm in my patients individually; then my reasoning is that the treatment will serve to reduce a vast amount of distress, disorder and disease."

Where does it come from?

The first pictorial evidence of energy treatments being carried out on the foot was found within the tomb of Egyptian physician Ankhmahor, dating back to 2330BC. Therapists also believe that Native Americans practiced an early form of reflexology.

It is also documented that Florentine sculptor Benvenuto Cellini applied reflex pressure to his own feet to relieve discomfort and rebalance his body. But it is Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat specialist, who is revered as the forefather of modern reflexology. He developed zone therapy in the early 20th century, and soon reported that he could produce a natural anaesthesia by clamping his patients' fingers. In the 1920s, the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham determined that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs and structure of the whole body. Practitioners now combine the Fitzgerald and Ingham methods for an holistic treatment.

Who can do it?

People of all ages, and it has been reported to be helpful for people suffering from back pain, stress-related conditions, hormone imbalances and sleeping disorders. Maternity reflexology is also increasingly common, though all treatments should be approached with caution when pregnant.

What results can you expect?

Most people will feel relaxed, pampered and cared for following treatment. You may also feel lethargic or spaced-out for up to a day. Drink plenty of water after treatment, especially if you develop a headache.

Contra-indications

A practitioner will not treat you if you have athlete's foot or any infectious or fungal foot conditions, and they're unlikely to treat you if you're feeling feverish. If you are currently undergoing treatment or are on any medication, you should consult your GP before treatment.

How was it for you?

Craig Wills (size nine and stress-free)

Only recently have I officially outed my addiction to reflexology - and proudly. So much so that my last session resembled some sort of reflexology menage à trois. The back bedroom at home was prepared with towels and candles, reflexologist Susie worked her magic on me first, followed by my girlfriend Jane, who then tag-teamed her sister into the final 45-minute session.

Reflexology, admittedly for me, has always delivered total relaxation - a feeling of not just physical wellbeing but also physical understanding. When put to the test, the somewhat mythical idea that your feet are inextricably linked to your organs and glands (not randomly, but in a very orderly and precise fashion) proved true for me, and mildly addictive.

Lying down, breathing deeply, with your most neglected features washed and resting upon a fluffy towel, a light foot massage eases you into a state of calm. Each toe, the ball, the heel, is then investigated, sometimes resulting in a twinge in a remote part of the body, sometimes forcing deeper relaxation. Unlike massage this is very intense, yet almost delivered remotely - a practitioner feeling their way, reading and soothing your body through your feet.

At the end you feel lighter, more aware and, if your practitioner is really good, their diagnosis can be enlightening. A teenage arm injury, the harbouring of stress in the neck, a recent knee pain - nothing the human eye could detect by looking at my feet. Only someone with great understanding of the human body could detect all this through my bare size nines ...

The Observer, Sunday 6 July 2008 Article history
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/jul/06/healthandwellbeing2

Now might be a good time to think of feet. Feet are at home on the ground; they are naturally grounded. No point in bringing a foot down to earth; that is where it is anyway. There is nothing elevated or arrogant about feet. Humble foot-soldiers are those who do the donkey-work, unglamorous but essential.

Some people have an aversion to feet, thinking them ugly or smelly. The sight of a naked sole is considered offensive in Islam. I feel rather the opposite: if not a foot fetishist, then I am an admirer of feet - not just of all the work they do, silently and without complaining, carrying us hither and thither, but also of their unsung sensitivity. Feet are full of nerve endings as well as small bones and muscles. They need to be that way, as in our earlier days we had to feel our way with them, almost as much as see our way with eyes. The soles of feet, though they have the thickest skin on the body, are in fact exquisitely sensitive, a fact known to children and torturers.

A few years ago, I went on one of those self-improving holidays on a Greek island where you don't just lie in the sun and drink retsina but learn to write children's stories and paint in watercolour. In my case, having done enough creative writing courses and therapy to make up for several generations of my family starved of such things, the courses I chose on Skyros were foot reflexology and Commedia dell'Arte acting.

This might seem a peculiar combination but both were inspired choices. In particular, the reflexology course, which took place on a series of mornings in an outdoor clearing, surrounded by pine trees, high above the bay of Atsitsa, was something I would not have missed for anything.

As some of you may know, foot reflexology uses the foot as a map of the body, positing correspondences between zones of the foot and organs and parts of the body. The soft area between the ball of the foot and the heel, I remember, was said to correspond with the stomach, and the big toe with the head.

Those of a relentlessly scientific bent will already be reaching for their revolvers, or drafting complaints to the Financial Times for giving space to New Age twaddle. I myself was never entirely convinced by the theory of correspondences, at least at a purely physiological level; in practice, though, it seemed to work. As thumbs and forefingers worked their way slowly round the soft underbelly of the foot, stomachs rumbled. I won't say cancers were cured and heart attacks averted by any of this, but people seemed to feel better for it.

I remember finding there to be something both touching and heartening about the sight of a group of rather complicated middle-class people (think Bridget Jones and her boyfriends and you will not be far off the mark) attending to one another's feet. Those who refuse to accept that we are descended from apes would have had to avert their eyes. The fact was, we resembled nothing more than a family or group of baboons engaged in mutual grooming. But then, as David Attenborough once whispered while his hair was being being gently sifted by an enormous female gorilla, it is not they who are the most dangerous and destructive species of primate.

One of the most affecting scenes in St John's Gospel occurs the week before Jesus's death, when he visits his friends the sisters Martha and Mary in Bethany; after supper Mary anoints Jesus's feet with a costly ointment, and wipes his feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot remonstrates with her, saying the ointment should be sold and the proceeds given to the poor. This elicits one of Jesus's most gnomic remarks, "The poor always ye have with ye, but me ye have not always." Later Jesus washes his disciples' feet, in a practical demonstration of humility. It seems both significant and cruelly ironic that Jesus pays so much attention to feet just before his crucifixion.

Feet have strength, sensitivity and humility (forgive me if this is beginning to sound like an advertisement for a bathroom product); we ignore and undervalue them at our peril. Only three poets that I know of have written odes to feet: Robert Herrick's and Pablo Neruda's are not to their own but to, respectively, a mistress's and a wife's; Neruda undoes much of his good work by saying at the end of "Tus Pies" that he loves Matilde's feet only because they have brought her to him.

Christopher Twigg's "To My Feet" is fairly and squarely about his own feet, which makes it to my mind the best of these poems. "When I lost my faith/ my feet never doubted;/ they kept up a groundswell/ of firm belief." Let us all learn something of the wisdom of feet: "Oh let me not ignore their happiness/ their life of present moments, felt and lived!"

By Harry Eyres

 Source: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a9067e4e-972b-11dd-8cc4-000077b07658.html

Published: October 11 2008 03:00 | Last updated: October 11 2008 03:00

More columns at www.ft.com/eyres
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2009

Is reflexology something new?
Not at all! Evidence shows that reflexology was practiced by ancient Egyptian physicians over 5000 years ago.
It is also believed that reflexology was an integral part of ancient Indian, European, North American Native and Oriental folklore healing practices.
Like many other recently revived forms of folklore knowledge, reflexology is a valuable contribution to the modern person's health care

What can I expect in a reflexology session?
As the reflex areas of your feet, hands or ears are stimulated you may from time to time experience pin-prick-like sensations. These sensations result from sensitivity that frequently reflects the presence of tension in the corresponding part of the body.
If it is not comfortable for you, you should ask the person who is doing the reflexology to decrease the amount of pressure that they are using.
It is important that you are comfortable with the stimulation, as relaxation is the primary goal of reflexology, and you need to feel comfortable in order to relax in your session.

Does reflexology diagnose?
NO. Reflexology identifies where stress and tension is located in the body. This can be a valuable assistance to the diagnosis process, but it is not sufficient by itself. If a reflexology recipient has identified other symptoms that coincide with the stress and tension identified by reflexology, and then they should consult a licensed health care provider such as a naturopathic doctor or a medical doctor for a diagnosis.
If a reflexology recipient is not aware of any other symptoms that corroborate with the stress and tension identified by reflexology, then the person should recognize that the stress and tension will be alleviated to some degree by reflexology stimulation. Therefore, to some extent their stress is being taken care of. It is their choice whether to continue receiving reflexology in order to alleviate the stress and tension, and/or whether to seek out other therapies to assist.
Reflexologists are not licensed health care providers and hence are legally not allowed to diagnose.

Does reflexology treat disease?
NO. Reflexologists do not work with a treatment orientation, rather they are oriented to revitalizing the whole body and hence supporting the body in it's own healing process.

If reflexology does not treat disease, what can it do for me?
Reflexology is used primarily to relieve stress and tension and produce deep therapeutic relaxation.
Medical doctors agree that over three fourths of our health problems can be linked to nervous and physical tension. By reducing stress and tension, reflexology improves blood and lymph circulation, strengthens the functioning of the immune system, improves assimilation of nutrition and elimination of toxins, and calms the nervous system. In these ways, reflexology facilitates the body's natural healing processes and thereby enhances the body's health and vitality.

If I don't believe in reflexology, will it still be effective?
YES. Reflexology relieves stress and tension and deeply relaxes people independent of their beliefs about it. Many very skeptical people have become strong advocates for reflexology after experiencing it. It is also quite possible that your belief in its effectiveness will enhance its benefits. Try it with an open mind and find out for yourself how you respond to reflexology. Each person has his or her own unique response.

If I have a serious ailment, such as heart trouble, diabetes or cancer, can reflexology make my condition worse?
Absolutely not! Reflexology practised with common sense is completely safe. It simply relaxes the body, which allows it to function more effectively. The results can be amazing!!!  If a health care provider such as a medical or naturopathic doctor is managing your condition, it is important that you discuss the consequences of any therapy (including reflexology) with this person before you commence treatment. This is particularly appropriate if your condition involves an organ transplant, an implanted device (pacemaker), or, is acute.

Can reflexology do me any serious harm?
NO. Reflexology is essentially harmless.The therapeutic relaxation that reflexology produces facilitates the body's release of toxins. On very rare occasions this release of toxins may bring about perspiration, a nauseous feeling, a headache, or a bad taste in the mouth. These minor discomforts are evidence of the body's healing process, are very temporary and are not serious. Should you experience any discomfort after a reflexology session that is not temporary, then you should assume that its cause is independent of the reflexology and take the appropriate remedial actions.
Most people enjoy pleasant relaxed and/or energized feelings after a reflexology session.

Where can I receive reflexology sessions?
FixinFeet Reflexology offers generous  one-hour by appointment for those in the Dudley & Black Country

Is it possible to practice reflexology on oneself?
YES. Needless to say, very few people feel that they derive the quality of benefit when they work on their own feet compared to receiving a session from another person. Stimulating the reflex areas of your hands is another alternative that for most people is a lot more convenient.

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to the reflexes on the feet or hands in order to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body's own healing processes and help the person to return to a state of balance and wellbeing. Systems in the body can easily be thrown out of balance by a wide variety of factors including prolonged illness, stress, long working hours and diet. The resulting imbalances prevent efficiency of vital body functions. These imbalances can be detected on the feet, where corresponding parts of the body can be identified, and pressure applied to specific reflexes to restore the body to a state of equilibrium.Early traces of reflexology date back 5,000 years to Egypt, China, India and Japan. The practice came to Europe during the Dark Ages and modern day reflexology has its roots in medical and neurological studies carried out in the late 1800s in the UK and Germany and later in the US.

Why choose it?
Reflexology offers a safe, natural, non-invasive and effective solution to help relieve many conditions in a relaxing and supportive environment. It can act as a complement to standard medical treatment. A qualified reflexologist will also have been trained to help you identify lifestyle practices which may trigger recurring conditions, enabling you to treat the cause and not just the symptom.

How does it work?
When we step on a sharp object, a sequence of reflex actions take place in our bodies. Muscles withdraw the foot and help to rebalance the body, adrenaline is released, and changes occur in the composition of our blood and the function of our internal organs. Reflexology works on a similar (but far less painful!) principle, stimulating the nervous system to invoke responses in the relevant parts of the body.

What conditions can benefit from reflexology?
Reflexology helps relieve many conditions as well as aiding relaxation and inducing sleep - these include:

• Stress/Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Lack of energy
• Poor cardiovascular or lymphatic circulation
• Imbalances in the nervous system
• Eating/Metabolic disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome/Constipation
• Respiratory problems/Asthma
• Hay fever/Sinusitis
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Infertility
• Endometriosis
• Pre-menstrual tension (PMT)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Headaches/Migraines
• Back and shoulder pain/Sciatica
• Muscle strains
• Post-operative recovery

Can anybody have reflexology treatments?  
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may help to relieve a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, as well as basic complaints. After completing a course of reflexology treatments for a specific condition, you may find it advantageous to continue with regular treatments to maintain your health and well-being. Many health care professionals now recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

What happens during a reflexology treatment?  
During the first visit, you will be asked questions about your medical history and lifestyle. Then, after removing your shoes and socks, you will receive a treatment, wherein the reflexologist will apply pressure to a sequence of specific points whilst massaging your feet. You will, of course, be able to ask any questions before, during or after the treatment. Following a reflexology treatment most people feel relaxed, have a deep, refreshing night’s sleep and wake up feeling great.

How long does a reflexology treatment take?  
A reflexology treatment session usually lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. A course of treatments may be recommended depending on your body’s needs

Can Reflexology make a condition worse?  
Reflexology is a non-invasive, natural therapy. On rare occasions, release of toxins, as a result of the body's natural healing process, may result in temporary symptoms such as perspiration or headaches; however these symptoms are not directly related to Reflexology treatments, and should pass within a few hours.

Can reflexology affect my medication?  
As with many holistic and complementary therapies, reflexology treatments detoxify and rebalance the body and help to return it to its optimal functioning level, in some circumstances this may mean that your doctor may feel that your frequency or dose of medication may be reduced after a while. Please note, your reflexologist is not qualified to make any such changes without consulting your doctor.

How can reflexology treatments benefit my employees? 
As recently shown on the BBC News and discussed on numerous documentaries, the C.B.I. now estimates that 25 million days per year are lost from productive activity because of people taking time off sick, at a cost of £2 billion to the economy. As well as sickness being unpleasant for the employee, sick days are costly to the company and also put extra stress and strain onto colleagues remaining in the office, who have to do others' work on top of their own.In addition to its many benefits, regular reflexology in the workplace has proven to be very effective for stress relief at work, whilst boosting the immune system and helping to detoxify the body.

What is Reflexology?
The science that deals with the principle that there are reflex points on the hands and feet which correspond to all parts of the body’s glands, organs and structures.

What are the benefits?
There are four main areas:

- To increase blood and lymph flow
- To relieve stress and tension
- To promote nerve energy
- To help the body maintain a state of balance

How much pressure should be used?
 It depends …
- On the type of foot being treated
- On the sensitivity of the client being treated
- A heavy foot would need deep pressure
- A slim, delicate foot would need a light pressure
- A sick or frail person would need a light pressure
- A child would need light pressure
- A good guide for the reflexologist is to observe the client’s face

Ask for feedback – this applies to both client and reflexologist

How many treatments are necessary?
In this stressed world of ours, ideally the reflexologist would like to recommend six to eight treatments. However, one or two treatment can be found to be not only beneficial but financially realistic. The number of treatments and duration of each will depend on a number of factors. Health and wealth being key considerations in recommendations.

How many treatments should be given in order to establish the effectiveness of Reflexology?
This is a difficult question to answer. However as a general guide, it is best not to continue treatment after the third or fourth treatment if the client is unable to report any changes.

Does Reflexology hurt?
No. Reflexology should not hurt but some areas on the foot may feel tender or different, even a little uncomfortable (the reflexologist should adjust the pressure).

What are your views on treating cancer patients?
Reflexology can be part of the core package a patient suffering with cancer receives and can be integrated into their orthodox treatment. It is recommended that the patient’s treatment centre is aware they are receiving reflexology, indeed many hospitals and hospices now offer reflexology to their patients.Chemotherapy patients will benefit from a full reflexology treatment one or two days prior to their treatment and a zone walk as soon as possible after the chemotherapy (same day preferably).All professionals considering working with cancer patients should undertake specific training prior to giving any treatment.

What can you tell me about a corn on the foot?
Corns are patches of hard skin which become dense in the centre. They can cause intense pain, due to pressure. Corns are found most frequently on toes 1, 3 and 4 and appear as a result of pressure from footwear. This protective shield will indicate to the therapist a possible reflex disturbance in the zone/reflex. go to www.fixinfeet.co.uk to get them fixed!

What can you tell me about a build up of hard skin?
The foot forms hard skin to protect it from rough surfaces. This can be a ridge on the sole of a shoe, walking around bare foot or the natural posture and stance of a particular person. Hard skin that is flexible poses little threat to reflex disturbances but the thick, horny, inflexible skin often found on the heel, ball of the foot and the edge of the big toe, can indicate energy blockages.

Why is a consultation card necessary?
- To establish there are no contra indications to the treatment.
- To assess the client’s physical and mental state.
- To show a genuine interest and establish their expectations.
- To ensure that our therapy is holistic and meets clients’ needs.
- To ensure that we give the best possible treatment for each client.
- To establish that Reflexology is the most suitable treatment.
- To refer client to a reflexologist with the appropriate skills or to a medically qualified practitioner.

Reflexology balances and revitalises. What do you mean?
Illness, stress, tension and fatigue can each have the effect of causing body disharmony (imbalance). Energy is wasted fighting the problem or struggling mentally with negative attitudes. Reflexology encourages the body’s own energy flow and as the body and mind regain their balance they can work more efficiently.

Can you give us a little more information about treating children?
It is important to note that it is a legal requirement as well as an ethical obligation in children. Children can respond very well to Reflexology treatment. The therapist and parent need to bear in mind that the child can have similar reactions to the therapy as would an adult, so treatment pressure, pace and duration will be judged accordingly.

I have been told that Reflexology is part of Aromatherapy. Is this true?
No! Some Aromatherapists do press on some Reflexology points in order to help them choose an oil for their aromatherapy treatment; but this cannot be classified as Reflexology. However fortunately this is becoming a practice less often performed by the well qualified Aromatherapist.

Are all Beauty Therapists Reflexologists?
A. No. Beauty Therapists who hold qualifications to undertake face and body treatments will have studied anatomy, physiology and massage. However this does not qualify them as Reflexologists.

Does the Reflexologist have to be insured?
All professional people should be insured.

Do qualified reflexologists have to attend continuing professional development courses?
Yes, as part of maintaining professional memberships the Reflexologist is expected to demonstrate evidence of updating and improving their skills and to keep up to date with current developments in the field of Reflexology

There is much research to indicate that stress in the psyche creates the possibility of physical illness. The listed 'stress factors' and calculations shown at the foot of the table are based upon that research. To use the chart, add together the stress factors you have experienced during the last twelve months.

Neither the research nor the table reproduced here are my work and I cannot therefore assign copyright for its use.

1. Death of spouse/partner 100
2. Divorce 73
3. Separation from spouse/partner 63
4. Going to prison or similar 65
5. Death of close family member 63
6. Major personal illness/injury 53
7. Getting married 50
8. Redundancy/being fired. 47
9. Reconciliation with spouse/partner 45
10. Retirement from work 45
11. Major illness of family member 44
12. Pregnancy. 40
13. Sexual difficulties 39
14. New family member arriving (birth, parent(coming to stay indefinitely, adoption) 39
15. Major work adjustment of any sort 38
16. Major change in financial status (up or down) 37
17. Close friend dies 36
18. Career change 36
19. Major change in number of arguments with spouse/partner 35
20. Taking out a mortgage/heavy loan 31
21. Difficulty with mortgage repayments 30
22. Major change in work situation 29
23. Child leaving home 29
24. Trouble with in-laws 29
25. Outstanding personal success 28
26. Spouse/partner starting/leaving work 26
27. Starting or stopping formal education 26
28. Major change in living conditions 25
29. Change in personal routines 24
30. Trouble with the boss 23
31. Major change in work conditions 20
32. Moving house/home 20
33. Changing to a new school 20
34. Major change in leisure habits 19
35. Major change community activities 19
36. Major change in social activities 18
37. Taking out a small mortgage/loan 17
38. Major change in sleeping habits 16
39. Major change in number of family meetings 15
40. Major change in eating habits 15
41. Going on holiday 13
42. Christmas 12
43. Minor law violations (involving fines etc.) 11

According to the research, your probability of illness during the next twenty-four months is linked to your total 'score' as follows:

0 - 149 No particular problems. 
150 - 199 Mild crisis level. 37% chance of illness.
200 - 299 Moderate crisis level. 51% chance of illness.
300+ Major crisis level. 79% chance of illness.